Over the past two weeks, our Year 10 students have been engaging in a series of experiences designed to connect with our Founder’s vision of Body, Mind and Spirit.
During the first week, the girls attended camp at Hillary Outdoors Tongariro while the boys remained on campus, before the groups swapped experiences in week two. This structure provided a valuable opportunity for each group to take part in specially designed workshops and sessions tailored to their stage of growth and development, encouraging meaningful conversations, reflection and connection.
Our Year 10 boys were guided by Mr Hohneck, Mr Sharp, MrDowdle, Mr Cronin, Mr Barker, Mr Sutherland, Chaplain Matt Martyn and Mr Poka. Through their sessions the boys explored the importance of integrity, learning to choose what is right over what is easy or popular, while also developing strategies for making positive choices within their friendships and daily lives. They focused on resilience, goal setting and navigating their senior years with purpose, while also deepening their understanding of the school haka, learning not only the words, but also the meaning and purpose behind it.
Our Year 10 girls have been learning to relish being a young woman of St. Peter’s supported by Ms Small, Mrs Goble, Mrs Green, Mrs Gibson,Jenny Platford (Head of Wellbeing), Chaplain Vanessa MacCarthy, Mr Barker and Mr Poka. Through these experiences, the girls developed creativity, collaboration and confidence while gaining a deeper understanding of self-esteem, social media influences, movement and reflection. Sessions encouraged students to think critically, connect meaningfully with others and reflect on their future aspirations. Head Girl Milla also shared how she had developed through Body, Mind and Spirit with the significant range of opportunities at St. Peter’s.
A special part of the experience for all students was writing letters to their future selves, which will remain sealed until Year 13. It has been wonderful to see such positive engagement, participation and support for one another throughout these experiences.